17 Best Potato Salad Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Cookout
It's a classic side dish for a reason!
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We love good ol' potato recipes any time of year. But come spring and summer, it's all about the potato salad! No dish is better suited for a cookout than potato salad (okay, also maybe pasta salads). But if you thought there was only one way to make this creamy side dish, think again! Here, we've rounded up a variety of potato salad recipes for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a classic Southern potato salad, a German potato salad, or a creative twist (like Ree Drummond's green goddess potato salad), this list has them all!
Not sure where to begin? It all starts with potatoes, of course! The type of potatoes you use is important for ensuring that the potato salad doesn't turn into... well, mashed potatoes! Some recipes call for red potatoes while others call for waxy Yukon golds. There's even a sweet potato recipe if you really want to switch things up! Then comes the different flavor variations—ranch, pesto, and creamy lemon basil to name a few. With so many BBQ recipes and picnic side dishes to choose from, it'll be hard to pick just one! Luckily, potato salad is great for making ahead so you can pick out a couple of your favorites to prep for all your summer potlucks!
Red Potato Salad
This red potato salad is bursting with flavor thanks to fresh dill, green onions, and plenty of crispy bacon.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
This traditional potato salad is gloriously creamy and delicious when served alongside your favorite barbecue recipes. Then again, it's also great with sandwiches or even burgers!
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Green Goddess Potato Salad
Green goddess dressing is usually served on leafy green salads, but this time it makes for a creamy, flavorful addition to potato salad! Plus, it adds a pop of color to an otherwise beige dish.
Get Ree's Green Goddess Potato Salad recipe.
Potato Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette-based potato salads are another option with a bit more tang. It's better the longer it sits and has time to mingle with the mustard dressing so it's great for making ahead.
Get Ree's Potato Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette recipe.
Instant Pot Potato Salad
Summer entertaining has never been easier! All you need is your Instant Pot to make this quick and easy side.
Get the Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe.
Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad
Just like everyone's favorite finger food, this twist on jalapeño poppers is so much fun! It even has the crispy bacon topping.
Get the Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad recipe.
German Potato Salad
Unlike the creamy, chilled American-style potato salads, this German potato salad can be served warm or at room temperature. It's vinegar-based and perfect for serving with grilled bratwurst.
Get the German Potato Salad recipe.
Lemon Basil Potato Salad
Ree's twist on potato salad is bright and cheery for spring. It features fresh lemon and herbs from the garden, like basil.
Get Ree's Lemon Basil Potato Salad recipe.
Perfect Potato Salad
Perfectly creamy, perfectly flavor, and perfectly easy to make! It's no wonder Ree calls this her perfect potato salad.
Get Ree's Perfect Potato Salad recipe.
Baked Potato Salad
If you're a fan of loaded baked potatoes, you'll love this variation in potato salad form! It has all the fun mix-ins, like thick cut bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives!
Herbed Red Potato Salad
This bright, herby salad has a few tricks up its sleeve, including slicing the potatoes before boiling, so the potatoes don’t break down into mush when you’re tossing the salad later. Plus, it helps them cook up quicker!
Ranch Potato Salad
You'll want to keep a packet of Ranch salad dressing mix in your pantry at all times just in case you get this potato salad craving. Green onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon really make the flavors sing!
Greek Potato Salad
Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, this potato salad is loaded with big flavor. It has sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty Greek dressing.
Healthy Potato Salad with Yogurt
Potato salad is often made with mayo, but this lightened-up version uses Greek yogurt instead! It's a simple swap but we promise you won't miss a thing!
Get the Healthy Potato Salad with Yogurt recipe at Jessica Gavin.
Grilled Potato Salad
We just love how pretty those grill marks look on the Yukon gold potatoes! Plus, it adds smoky flavor to the tangy mustard dressing.
Get the Grilled Potato Salad recipe at Platings and Pairings.
Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad
This is not your average potato salad recipe, but it's a colorful variation that's fun to try! The rainbow of veggies makes it good for you, too!
Get the Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
Pesto Potato Salad
Whether you use homemade pesto or store-bought, this potato salad is worth a try. It also has green beans and peas added to the mix.
Baked Potato Toppings That Go Beyond Butter
Grilled Sweet Potatoes Are Your New Favorite Side
This Smashed Potato Salad Is the Best Summer Side
This Southern Potato Salad Is a Hit at Cookouts
